Was It Merely In My Dreams

I can see the Battle lines form,

And watch the banners wave.

I see those men who fought and died,

For their cause, their life,  they gave.

I hear the trumpet sound the call,

And the drum beat, loudly play.

And I feel myself step off in time,

And march off  with them, this day.

I smell the smoke, and see the flash,

Of the muskets, across the field.

I raise my sword, and lead the charge,

As around my men fall, wounded or killed.

And I know it's not this time alone,

I've fought , and bled, and died.

And in my spirit, I feel a loss,

And I bowed my head and cried.

I know each man, who falls this day,

And those who'll make it through.

And I look at those who watch me now.

And wonder, did this ever happen to you?

I've fought for freedom, money, and fame,

And quickly marched off to war.

I've fought for Emperors, Kings and Chiefs,

As my allegiance, to them I swore.

In many a Battle, and many a time,

I've stood to answer the call.

And I've lived each lifetime to the fullest extent,

I've lived them, one and all.

My mind drifts off to times ago,

Lived lives, and loves, and friends.

To places, smells, sights and sounds,

To the beginnings, and the ends.

I startle as my mind jerks back,

To this date, and time, and place.

I say goodbye, to those friends of old,

As a smile, comes across my face.

For, I stand here looking, o'er this field,

And oh how real it seems.

Was I really once, in this place,

Or was is merely, in my dreams.

Kevin J. Miller 2000